Stephanie Held
Stephanie Held
Book Publicist, Writer, Founder at the PR Poet
Chicago, IL
www.theprpoet.com
instagram: @theprpoet
facebook: @theprpoet
twitter: @StephanieJanie
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I love editing, writing, and developing press opportunities.”
I write interviews about interesting people and help authors, non-profits, and wellness organizations better articulate who they are and make more meaningful connections.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
My life has progressed by my love for reading and writing. I studied communication and public relations at Michigan State University, and soon after graduating lived in Paris studying French and dance therapy before starting my communications career–I'm a little whimsical and fascinated by everything.
Before starting the PR Poet, I worked in publishing on both the editorial and marketing side of the business, as well as for a book publicity firm where I represented a variety of debut, self-published authors and New York Times bestsellers.
It sounded like my dream job, but I craved deeply personal work, and that emotional drive created my business. I booked my first publicity and social media client, the author of "The Dog Healers" by hanging fliers that said, "Every introvert needs and extrovert. Every writer needs a publicist." Everything started growing from there. It was all a little bit of magic and a lot of hard work. I'm really am so proud of the people I've worked with and how I've grown in the past two years.
HOW DO YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR FIELD?
Be kind. Enthusiastic. Meticulous about the words I write and the emotion that hounds them out.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
A book publicity campaign and book signing event for Bassam Hadi, author of "The Road to Nablus." A true story about his father Abed Abdulhadi, a Palestinian refugee, and the triumphant education that helped him escape poverty.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Poetic. Energetic. Respectful. I love "On Writerly Jealousy" by Elisa Gabbert.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
My personal essay writing. And I really do need to improve my technical computer skills for efficiency... shoot!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Admin tasks. And continuous software updates.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Administrative support.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I am a creative and gentle person, while also rigorously striving for success. It's a tension that has caused me overwhelming anxiety at times. So, if I were to go back and do it all over again, at 22, I would have told myself this simple advice: "one day at a time."
It has given me perspective and a large dose of much-needed humility.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to meet Erin French, founder of The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine. As an artistic chef and business owner, she has been able to create something beautiful, interpersonal and intimate; something that I really resonate with. I would ask her who motivated her and what she had to fight against to get what she deserves.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Six to eight-month book publicity campaigns, as well as press, blog and social media writing assignments for non-profits or brands with a strong mission.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I develop meaningful, long-term relationships with all of my clients. They are professional but also based on heart and mutual respect.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
The investment for most book publicity projects will fall between 1500 - 2500. For content, 300-1200.
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
Alyssa Arnesen, designer, @alyssaarnesen
Leah Cranston, designer, @leecranny
Lary Bloom, author, @larybloom1
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Send me a note to stephanie@theprpoet.com. In your email, please include: the title of your book or business mission / short synopsis and projected start date. For book launch campaigns, please engage a year before the book launch.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Long baths. Therapy. Walking.
This member profile was originally published in July 2019.